Jonathan Canvasses Emergence Of Under-50 Africa Leaders

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Thursday, called for a generational shift in African leadership, urging countries to prioritise emergence of leaders between the ages of 25 and 50.

Jonathan made the call in Abuja at the International Memorial Lecture and Leadership Conference commemorating the 50th anniversary of the assassination of former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed.

He argued that governance in the modern era required significant physical strength, mental alertness and resilience, qualities he believed were more prevalent among younger leaders.

Questioning the preference for older political figures, Jonathan asked, “Why do we begin to think that you must be a hundred years old before you can rule your country?”

Drawing from his experience as president, he said the demands of office were intense, revealing that there were days he slept for less than two hours within a 24-hour period.

According to him, such pressure makes it difficult for elderly leaders to cope effectively with the responsibilities of managing a nation.

“If we are looking for people who can run nations in Africa, we should look within the 25 to 50 age bracket. That is when you can be very vibrant, physically strong and mentally sound,” he said.

Jonathan aligned his remarks with the ideals of Nigeria’s “Not Too Young To Run” advocacy and eventual law, insisting that Africa must deliberately lower age barriers and create space for younger, energetic leaders capable of confronting contemporary challenges.